The steering wheel is more than just a tool for controlling a car—it’s a centerpiece of design, innovation, and driving experience.
Over the years, some automakers have crafted steering wheels that became as legendary as the cars they were attached to. From futuristic designs to race-inspired grips, these wheels added personality and performance to the driving experience.
In this article, we take a look at 15 cars that came with the most iconic steering wheels, celebrating the craftsmanship, technology, and uniqueness that set them apart.
Until self-driving cars become mainstream, the steering wheel will continue to be the centerpiece of any car’s interior. Here are some of the most remarkable steering wheels ever designed.
1. Lamborghini Sesto Elemento
If you’re familiar with the Sesto Elemento’s appearance, it’s easy to see how this striking wheel complements the rest of the car.
Wrapped in vibrant red leather, the rim features sharp angles, exposed screws, and an array of stylish buttons. And let’s not even begin to talk about those sword-like paddle shifters.
2. Pagani Huayra
The Huayra’s steering wheel may be more understated, but it remains undeniably stunning. Each switch appears as though it took 100 hours to craft, while the broad, flat airbag section blends seamlessly with the rest of the car’s aesthetic.
The Pagani Huayra interior is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and luxury, blending Italian artistry with high-tech materials. It features hand-stitched leather, exposed carbon fiber, and milled aluminum components, creating an opulent yet futuristic feel.
The center console has a jet-inspired design with toggle switches and a touchscreen display. The steering wheel, made from a mix of carbon fiber and aluminum, adds to the car’s exotic appeal.
Every detail, from the intricately designed gear shifter to the analog-style dials, showcases Pagani’s dedication to bespoke design.
3. Aston Martin One-77
The steering wheel in the ultra-rare One-77 is unconventional, and that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice it has a more oval shape rather than a traditional circular form, with flattened sections at the top and bottom.
Adding to its luxurious feel is the inclusion of elegant metal trim, giving it an extra touch of sophistication. We love it.
4. Caterham Seven SuperSprint
The Seven SuperSprint was a limited-production, vintage-inspired Caterham that sold out in just seven hours. Finding a new car equipped with a sleek, thin wooden steering wheel is a rarity, making it easy to see why this model was in such high demand.
5. De Tomaso P72
Its name might not be the most exciting, but the P72 is undoubtedly one of the most captivating new cars on the market.
Featuring a V-12 engine, breathtaking aesthetics, and a manual transmission, it’s a true enthusiast’s delight. The exquisitely crafted steering wheel is simply an added bonus.
6. McLaren F1 GTR
The F1 GTR’s steering wheel features a three-spoke design wrapped in Alcantara, with a carbon-fiber GTR logo placed at the center.
Apart from a handful of buttons, its layout remains refreshingly simple—which is exactly what makes it so special.
The McLaren F1 GTR interior is a stripped-down, race-focused evolution of the already minimalistic road-going McLaren F1.
Built for endurance racing, the GTR ditches luxury for pure performance, but it still retains the car’s most unique interior feature—the central driving position.
7. Mercedes-AMG One
Inspired by the steering wheel from the company’s Formula 1 car, the AMG One’s design incorporates an airbag in the center. Given that the vehicle itself is powered by an F1-derived engine, this design choice feels entirely appropriate.
8. Lotus Evija
Much like the AMG One, the Lotus Evija—an all-electric supercar from the brand—features a rectangular steering wheel inspired by Formula 1. It boasts a striking appearance and seamlessly complements the rest of the car’s futuristic interior.
9. BMW M3 (E30)
In later versions of the E30-generation M3, American models were fitted with an airbag-equipped steering wheel. However, in Europe, the cars came with a stylish three-spoke wheel that perfectly matched the rest of the cabin.
The BMW M3 (E30) interior reflects its 1980s motorsport heritage, blending driver-focused ergonomics with a simple yet functional design.
The dashboard is similar to the standard E30 3 Series, but with sporty enhancements. The center console is slightly angled towards the driver, ensuring easy access to controls.
10. Eunos Cosmo
The Eunos Cosmo’s triple-rotor engine isn’t its only standout feature. This stylish steering wheel is supported by two bottom spokes and features a distinctive arrangement of buttons on either side of the rotor-shaped badge.
11. McLaren 570S
The steering wheel in the McLaren 570S is a visual delight, and its button-free design ensures the driver can stay focused on the road without distractions from infotainment controls.
The McLaren 570S interior is a perfect balance of luxury and performance, designed with a driver-centric layout. It features lightweight materials like Alcantara, leather, and carbon fiber, emphasizing minimalism and aerodynamics.
The floating center console houses a portrait-style touchscreen for infotainment, reducing button clutter.
The sporty, contoured seats provide excellent support for high-speed driving, while the digital instrument cluster adapts to different driving modes. Despite its supercar status, the 570S offers decent comfort and visibility, making it more practical than some rivals.
12. Spyker C8
The original Spyker C8 features a four-spoke steering wheel designed to resemble a vintage airplane propeller. It’s undeniably cool, though it doesn’t seem particularly crash-friendly. As Jeremy Clarkson famously put it, “what a way to go!”
13. Ferrari F40
The F40’s interior is all about simplicity, and that philosophy extends to its steering wheel. Designed by Momo, this unit is completely free of unnecessary frills or buttons, allowing the driver to focus entirely on the road ahead.
14. BMW Z8
The Z8’s three-pronged steering wheel features four spokes per prong, seamlessly complementing the car’s sleek, vintage-inspired design.
The BMW Z8 interior is a blend of retro elegance and modern luxury. It features a minimalist, driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials like leather upholstery and aluminum trim.
The centrally mounted instrument cluster is a nod to classic roadsters, keeping the dashboard clean.
15. Subaru XT
The XT wasn’t just unconventional on the outside—its interior had plenty of unique features as well. The most noticeable is the steering wheel, which sports an asymmetrical pistol grip shape with a square center.